Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Airport Design Secrets + New Lux Destinations + Airlines Love Tax Breaks

January 3, 2018

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Note From the Editor

Just in time for holiday travel to die down (and polar vortex-related travel disruptions to ramp up), we have a pair of air travel-related stories from airline business reporter Brian Sumers. One is a fascinating exploration of design secrets from an architect who has spent his career working on airports. Anyone who has wondered about lighting in a terminal, the relative scarcity of carpeting, and why gates are such madhouses should dive in.

The other story is less revelatory — we explained late last year how the travel industry, like much of corporate America, was delighted by the new tax law. But late Tuesday, Southwest and American Airlines revealed some of the plans for the savings they'll reap. Both airlines are handing out $1,000 bonuses to employees. And based on what Southwest has said, aircraft manufacturers can anticipate more orders, and shareholders — of course — should expect more buybacks. No wonder Southwest CEO Gary Kelly pushed so hard for tax reform.

— Hannah Sampson, News Editor

New Skift Report: The 2018 Digital Transformation Report

Today we are thrilled to reveal our first confirmed speakers for Skift Forum Europe, happening on April 26th, 2018 at Cafe Moskau, Berlin. Find out who you'll hear from and register now!

Airport Secrets From an Architect Who Designs Them

We'd like to see more airports not worry about budgets and focus on reinventing the airport experience, but that's probably not feasible in most places. Architects like HKS' Pat Askew do what they can to make travel more pleasurable with the resources they're given.

Ctrip-Backed Chinese Booking Sites Plan Merger

Ctrip – with the help of some useful allies – continues to dominate China's fast-expanding travel industry. It will be interesting to see whether 2018 brings further expansion into Europe and North America.

American and Southwest Airlines Giving Employees Tax Reform Bonuses

There's never been any doubt U.S. businesses would benefit from tax reforms. But will consumers and workers? Time will tell.

The Luxury Destinations Making a Big Impact in 2018

We've made a list, and checked it twice, specifically looking at places where purveyors of luxury travel are setting up shop this year.

Video: Apple Leisure Group CEO on the Appeal of Luxury All-Inclusive

All-inclusive vacations aren't necessarily just for low-end consumers seeking high convenience. The luxury corner of the all-inclusive market has staying power.

Hoteliers Are Taking Different Approaches to Luxury Travel Innovation

Everyone has different ideas and approaches for the next big thing in luxury hospitality, from digital innovation and more personalization to smarter, more intuitive service, and better dining experiences.

Room Key is a bit like the train in the children's story, "The Little Engine That Could," which kept saying "I think I can, I think I can." While Room Key may never become the next Kayak, it may help hotel chains gain more direct bookings.

A Look Back at What the Hospitality Industry Taught Itself in 2017

In 2017, the hotel industry took stock of the prior year's major mergers, focused on putting them all together, and worked on figuring out a path into the future.

TripAdvisor CEO Sees Mobile Leading to More In-Destination Engagement

TripAdvisor will continue fighting to get a bigger piece of the online travel booking pie in 2018. It's a familiar refrain at this point.

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